Waitākere Ranges Local Board Chair Saffron Toms is standing down at the end of this term with her final meeting set for 22 September.
Representing Waitākere Ranges communities for the past three terms, she has served as Chair of the board for the past 18-months, and prior to that as Deputy Chair since 2016.
In addition to being Chair and Deputy Chair, she has held several other roles on the board, including environment and youth lead, serving on political steering groups, and as the Manukau Harbour Forum Chair.
She also helped develop strategic documents that have guided the local board’s environmental programmes – a strategic weed plan for the ranges, and the Big blue Waitākere. Coastal and marine report.
As board Chair, she led the board over a challenging time - including recovery from a significant flood, road slips and the pandemic, as well as overseeing the first tranche of Te Kete Rukuruku, returning Te Reo Māori names to local parks, and progressing the Maurice Shadbolt House writer’s residency.
Fond memories
Saffron says that she will look back on her time on the board with fondness.
“My thanks to all my colleagues who I have served with, staff members, and of course the energetic and passionate community.
“It has been a challenging but rewarding experience, and I hope that the board continues to be an effective advocate for the people it represents and the beautiful environment we live in.
“While I will no longer be involved, I’ll be watching on from the sidelines, and I wish everyone the very best going forward.”
Auckland Council General Manager, Local Board Services, Louise Mason, says that Saffron has played an important role on the board.
“I want to acknowledge the mahi and dedication that Saffron has poured into her time on the board.
“Local Boards play an important role for their communities and Saffron has worked consistently to make the place she lives and loves better.
“We want to thank her for her years of service and the advocacy and leadership she has shown. Without doubt she will be missed, and we wish her all the best for her future endeavors.”
The final Waitākere Ranges Local Board meeting of the term takes place on 22 September in the chambers at the Henderson Civic Building. Public are welcome to attend.
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